Question:
I keep hearing people talk about eating baby food.....

Isn't there to much sugar in baby food? What types of baby food can post-op Lap RNY's eat? Fruit, veggies or meat? Also, how important is the protein shake afterwards? I thought I heard someone say they didn't really drink them and it was a waste of money? Can we drink that in our first 2 weeks after surgery?    — Tracey N. (posted on November 9, 2002)

November 9, 2002
Baby food was revolting. My cat wouldn't even eat it - through it away! I can't believe we feed that stuff to babies! My surgeon and nutritionist are STRONGLY opposed to protein shakes, but I must admit I tried them anyway. Haven't found one that I can stomach yet (literally - I throw them up!).
   — jen41766

November 9, 2002
Hi!<br>I have to agree with Jennifer on the baby food. It's just nasty, and it doesn't have that much protein. I did try the Step 3 (or juniors or something?) type once or twice... it was better, but it's no different than buying those microwave meals that come in a cup/can thing. <br>As for protein drinks, I am not a huge fan, but I do do them occassionally. I bought Resource Protein Powder this week... I've been mixing it in Crystal Light. It's pretty good because I can't taste it (most of the other ones are hideous). I prefer protein bars. Zone Perfect are great.<br>Kelly
   — Kelly B.

November 9, 2002
Our surgeon says a resounding "No!" to baby food....it is pitifully poor in any nutritive value and is mostly water. He asks his patients to always think in terms of the post-op goal as being able to eat "regular and normal foods...just much less of them". If the cardinal rules of eating slowly, taking very small bites, and chewing thoroughly are observed, then baby foods or overly-pureed foods should be unnecessary. He prescribes a full-liquid diet for the first 3 weeks, which contains the standard sugar-free Jello/puddings, yogurts, soups, thin mashed potatoes/grits/cream of wheat/instant oatmeal, etc... then advances patients to a soft diet for the next three weeks, which essentially is anything except beef, chicken and "crunchy" fruits and veggies. After that...regular foods as tolerated. Every surgeon and/or nutritionist has a slightly (or widely) different take on post-op diet regimen, so be sure to follow the guidelines that you have been given, but don't cheat yourself nutritionally by wasting money on baby foods. As for protein supplementation, that is another topic on which folks disagree widely. Our surgeon does not "allow" protein shakes after the first six weeks post-op, stating that he feels that it is critically important for his patients to learn how to obtain their protein from diet alone. However, in those first weeks when the pouch is still so swollen and you have no hunger or ability to eat/drink any significant amounts, it is critically important that you get enough protein. Your body tissues need protein for the healing process to take place, and you need the energy that that protein will provide you to "bounce back" in a timely way. In addition, your body is in a "starvation" mode during those first weeks of rapid weight loss....drinking the prescribed protein will keep your body from attacking its own muscle stores for the energy that it requires. Some products taste much better than others....don't buy a large quantity of any one product....buy a packet or two of several brands so that you can narrow your choices down to a product that you can "faithfully" live with. Best wishes!
   — Diana T.

November 9, 2002
I think every doctors after care program is different. I have to admit I have kinda taken what the majority of doctors tell their patients to eat because my aftercare diet is VERY boring. I am to eat NOTHING but 2 oz. of meat three times a day, substituting an egg every three to four days, until I get within 30 lbs. of goal weight. I CRAVE (!!!) greens now. I could live on green beans, broccoli, etc. but I do try to get meat in first then a very small potion of greens. I don't really count anything, carbs, fat, calories... But at five months out, I feel like I make pretty good choices on a regular basis. This is not saying that I don't cheat because I do. I wanted this surgery so I could eat like a normal person, not deprive myself of things that I love. Now I can stop with a cookie instead of the whole bag and I only eat them during my PMS time where before they were a daily intake. I really believe that you need to find what works for you. I want to enjoy this journey instead of just waiting for the "goal". Something that I am faithful about in my liquid intake and exercise. I do work out at Curves atleast four times a week and shoot for six times a week. I feel like I have found a good balance here. I am not a fast loser and I think alot of that is because of my food choices but I am happy and healthy so if it comes off a little slower than some, I am still happy it is coming off. I am down 70 lbs. in 5 months and about 1/2 way to goal. So I think that I will make it. As for portein shakes, I didn't start them until I was three weeks out. Now I try and do two a day because they really kill my craving for carbs. I was on strained chicken noodle soup for the first three weeks. (Strain the broth off and just eat the noodles and meat.) I was eating two oz. three times a day. This started in the hospital on my third day after surgery. So to make a long story short, lol, do what your doctor says until you are healed inside and then follow his plan but also remember to make it livable. Good Luck~ Candi
   — Candi B.